Audi Q2 – new compact crossover debuts in Geneva

Following the many teasers and spyshots we’ve seen of it, here is the new Audi Q2. Fixed on a name at last, two looks for the compact SUV have been presented here, one being of the standard look of the car (yellow/gold) and another of the sportier-looking S Line version (red).

For size, the Q2 will slot in just under the recently-updated Q3 SUV – as such, the model is even smaller than a BMW X1 or Mercedes-Benz GLA. As previously reported, the Q2 is based on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform, which means that it is also predominantly a front-wheel driven car – that said, quattro all-wheel drive is available to higher-level variants.

On both cars, the signature Audi Singleframe grille is presented in a new octagonal shape. The front bumpers on the standard model and the S Line version is different -the S Line is clearly the sportier-looking of the two. The standard version features more rugged exterior body fitments to complement its rugged appeal.

A look at the rear-end reveals very familiar tail light designs – don’t they remind you of the Volkswagen Polo? Fortunately, they feature unique graphics inside, with LED lighting, we’re told. Again, two styles of the rear bumper is presented here. The S Line gets a straight-forward bumper and insert while the regular model gets the rugged treatment.

Audi has also revealed that the Q2 here measures in at 4,191 mm long, 1,794 mm wide and 1,508 mm tall. Its wheelbase is 2,595 mm long. Comparatively, the Q2 is noticeably smaller than the Q3, which measures in at 4,388 mm long, 1,831 mm wide and 1,608 mm tall.

The interior of the Q2 is very familiar indeed. A three-spoke multi-function steering wheel is featured, along with a standard MMI display screen on the dash. Audi Virtual Cockpit and a head-up display system are optionally available for the Q2.

Currently, there aren’t any details on further interior trim and upholstery configurations. Audi does say that there will be many equipment packages, exterior colours and interior trim and seat upholstery configurations to choose from.

The Q2 will also get a long list of active safety features, starting with Audi pre sense front. Included as standard, the system recognises critical situations with other vehicles as well as pedestrians crossing in front of the vehicle, and if necessary it can initiate hard braking.

A total of six engine variations will be available for the Audi Q2 at launch — three petrol and three diesel, offering 116 hp to 190 hp. The petrol range will consist of a three-cylinder 1.0 litre TFSI, a four-cyl 1.4 TFSI and a four-cyl 2.0 TFSI. The diesel range will consist of 1.6 and 2.0 litre TDI four-cylinder mills, with a third yet to be confirmed.

There aren’t any performance or consumption details for the Q2 just yet, though. Audi explains that it does not have the type approval for the model just yet, so it can’t reveal this data. We do understand that a new S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission has been developed for the Q2, but will only be featured on the top-spec TDI and TFSI variants. Both of these top-spec variants will also be available with quattro all-wheel drive. The rest will continue to feature the existing seven-speed DCT.

The new Audi Q2 is expected to make its European market launch in September 2016, while the order books for the new compact model will be opened in the middle of the year.

With an equal passion for fast cars and everyday workhorses, Chris Aaron maintains a passion for European makes, Formula 1, playing the electric guitar and spending endless hours on the PlayStation - first-person shooters and the Gran Turismo franchise are his favourites. He also finds it strange to have written this in the third person.

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